Pan Am Championship

September 16, 2017

The XTERRA Pan American Championship race in Utah will offer $20,000 USD for the race and distribute an additional $60,000 USD in prize money to the top 10 men and women in the final XTERRA Pan American Pro Series rankings.

In addition to the championship, XTERRA offers races for trail runners, as well as the XTERRA Utah Sprint off-road triathlon. Pick up tips from the pros at one of our XTERRA University clinics or enjoy the XTERRA Expo. Kids can get into the fun at the XTERRA Kids Zone.
The XTERRA Pan American Championship is open to all pros and amateur athletes.

Top finishers in each age division are awarded a coveted slot to the XTERRA World Championship on Maui where 850 of the world’s best competitors vie for the world championship title.

XTERRA PAN AM CHAMPIONSHIP

Distance: 1.5k swim / 28k mountain bike / 10k trail run

It is not necessary to qualify, nor be from the Pan America region, to race at the XTERRA Pan America Championship, which will double as the XTERRA USA Championship. This is a one day award as opposed to the Tour Championship which counts all races. In Utah, the top overall finisher, regardless of nationality, in each age group will be honored as the XTERRA Pan America Champion. The top American in each age group will be named the XTERRA USA Champion.

The XTERRA Pan American Championship is open to all elite and amateur athletes.

Pros apply directly at pro@xterraplanet.com.

New for 2017 we are offering a discounted XTERRA Championship 3-Pack entry option for a limited time. For one low price, you will receive entry into the 2017 XTERRA Oak Mountain, Beaver Creek and Utah Championship events.

XTERRA SPRINT

Distance: 750m swim / 19.6km mountain bike / 5.8km trail run

This short distance off-road triathlon is held in conjunction with the XTERRA Pan American Championship event.

Athletes can compete in the XTERRA Utah race as a team or individual. This race is ideal for local residents looking for the XTERRA experience. Includes event t-shirt and post-race refreshments. USAT license required, single-day license can be purchased for $15 at registration. Military personnel and students must provide valid ID at packet pick-up to receive discounted rate.

XTERRA TRAIL RUN NATIONALS 21KM / 10KM / 5.8 KM

Runners of all ages and skill levels can participate in the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship, as there is no qualifying process. Last year, close to 500 trail runners from 30 different states gathered at Snowbasin Resort for the event.

There will be three different courses to accommodate the various levels of runners. A 21-kilometer half-marathon course will serve as the national championship course, but there will also be a 10K and a 5.8K.

Every age-group winner from the 21K course will be awarded a free entry to race at the 2017 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship at Kualoa Ranch, Oahu, Hawaii.
The top five overall males and top five overall females from the 21K course will also receive prize money. Medals and other prizes will also be awarded to the top age-group runners from all three courses.

XTERRA UNIVERSITY

Get ready to XTERRA with the sport’s best. XTERRA University, presented by Paul Mitchell, offers competitors a chance to take in last-minute advice and pointers from the best off-road athletes in the sport.

We will have two clinics beginning with The Art of XTERRA at the XTERRA race expo in Ogden’s Amphitheater Park on Friday from 5-6pm and a trail running clinic at 12pm on Saturday at Snowbasin Resort hosted by our top trail running ambassadors.

PAUL MITCHELL CUT-A-THON

Paul Mitchell has long put the “Style” in Lifestyle Sports and have been a loyal sponsor of XTERRA for more than a decade. Simply put, the stylists are cool, and with shirts that sport their motto “giving back is the new black” these professionals create the most magnificent cuts for the XTERRA Tribe during our major events.

At the XTERRA Pan American Championship in Utah racers, family, friends and spectators will have two chances to get their hair cut by Paul Mitchell stylists.
In exchange for a $15 donation to the non-profit Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) – the official charity of the Paul Mitchell hair-cut-a-thon – you can get your do done right! The CAF was founded to help physically challenged athletes reach their athletic goals. Give back, get styled, Live More.

New this year you can pre-order your photos, and for just $25 get high-res digital downloads of all your images plus a 5×7 print of your favorite shot. Get it here: http://www.endurophoto.com/xterra

After the race you will receive an email with a link to the gallery to download photos and/or select a photo for printing. Please note, while Enduro photos works to capture images of every person they cannot guarantee photos of every participant and pre-orders are non-refundable. Photos will also be available for purchase after the race, however, prices are higher for a la carte purchases.

Our dedicated team of volunteers across the US and abroad has been key to bringing the XTERRA experience to more people in more places. As the sport grows the need for volunteers increases. This year we need people to help with pre-race and race-day activities. Please e-mail our volunteer coordinator. Tell us what you’re interested in doing and what your availability is. We’ll try to find a place for you at XTERRA. We hope you can join us!

AID STATIONS

One bike aid station for all divisions (Mile 4).
Four run aid stations for full course. (Miles 1, 3, 4 and 5)
Bike aid station will have water and Gatorade in bike bottles. All run aid stations will have water and Gatorade in cups. PowerGel will also be available at each run aid station.

PRE-RIDING / PRACTICE PARKING

There is no parking at Port Ramp Marina during the week.Please park at the Wheeler Canyon trailhead or at Snowbasin and coast down to the bottom of Wheeler Canyon trailhead to begin riding.

DESCRIPTION

For the full tour, let’s start from the beginning when the cannon blast signals the start of the XTERRA Pan American / USA Championship race.

More than 300 professional and amateur racers from more than 40 states will take off from Port Ramp Marina all-at-once for a 1500-meter swim (two 750-meter laps) in Pineview Reservoir, where water temps hover near the “wetsuit-required” range (Competitor note: a final determination on if this will be a wetsuit legal or optional swim will not be made until the water temperature is read on race morning, so be prepared).

Once on the bike racers leave the swim-to-bike transition (T1) and head west towards the Wheeler Canyon trail head for the 28K mountain bike section. (Competitor note: The first 1.5 miles is on Highway 158, a major road. Ride on the shoulder inside the delineators that will be placed to separate racers from traffic. The Utah Department of Transportation has said we cannot ride in the traffic lanes. Stay inside the delineators.We will assess a minimum of a two-minute penalty to riders caught outside of the lane delineators, and should the police handling traffic stop you, your race is done. When pre-riding we encourage you to park and start at Wheeler Canyon trail head to avoid the road).

OK, now to the fun part. It starts with mild, steady climbs on dirt, rock, and root-ridden mountain trails that climb through the magnificent Wheeler slot canyon. The trail pops out at the Art Nord trailhead where riders cross old Snowbasin road and climb up the East Fork trail, then drop down into some speedy descents to the Middle Fork trail, go across old Snowbasin road one more time and connect with the Wheeler Creek Trail. Single track dominates this 10-mile stretch and elevation gains from the water at 4,900-feet to about 7,000-feet before a descent on Middle Fork trail shoots you back down.

The Wheeler Creek Trail then meets Sardine Peak trail. Here riders are in for some more climbing that will take them to the ridgeline, rewarding their efforts with spectacular views of Pineview Reservoir to the right, and Snowbasin to the left.

More wide-open vistas of Ogden Canyon lay ahead before the downhill onto Maples trail speeds riders through a meadow filled with wildflowers and back to the bike-to-run transition at the Snowbasin lodge area where spectators will have the chance to see their friends and family coming in.

SPRINT course bikers stay on Wheeler Creek trail to the junction of Maples trail. Take a left onto Maples trail and in one mile their running shoes will be waiting for them at T2.

TheSprint Bike course is 12.2 miles in length and has an overall elevation gain of approximately 2,300ft. It is not considered a super technical bike course but does have some rocky sections and tight downhill switchbacks.

On to the trail run, the 6.1-mile championship trail run is pure singletrack minus a wide section coming out of transition that takes runners to the start of Green Pond trail. The 10K single-loop run zigzags its way through aspen groves and fields of wildflowers. There are a few short, very steep uphill’s and about 700-feet of climbing then descending before the jubilation of finishing in front of loads of spectators, cameramen, and a live band jamming away right on the bricks of the fabulous Snowbasin Resort. Sprint runners break off at mile 1 and continue on their 5.8km (3.6 mile) loop before descending into the finish.

(Competitor Note: Headphones, headsets, earbuds, walkmans, iPods, mp3 players or any personal audio device are not to be carried or worn at any time during the race. Bike or run. Variable time penalty for infraction).

*Course is subject to change

TRANSITION AREAS

Transition areas will be open at 6:30am.

ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME TO SET UP TWO TRANSITIONS (at least 2 hours) AND GET TO THE RACE START.
Note: Athletes should carry their bikes from the parking area to T1 to avoid Utah wild thorns called “goat heads” from puncturing tires.

Race start and T1 (Swim to Bike) are at Port Marina, Pineview Reservoir.

Race finish and T2 (Bike to Run) are at Snowbasin.

ALTHOUGH THERE IS PLENTY OF PARKING AT PORT MARINA, THERE WILL BE INTERMITTENT ROAD CLOSURES AT THE PINEVIEW SPILLWAY as bikers cross the road into Wheeler Canyon.

TO AVOID DELAYS OR MISSING YOUR START, WE RECOMMEND YOU PARK YOUR CAR AT THE SNOWBASIN FINISH AND TAKE THE FREE SHUTTLE TO THE RACE START.

Help the community reduce GOAT HEAD BURRS
Those of you who have raced before, understand that goathead burrs can pierce tires and ruin your race before you start…Snowbasin and Weber Pathways have been working tirelessly to eradicate the weed from the area around the Port Ramp Marina area, but they are still there. We ask that you check your bikes and shoes and if you find them – bag and trash them. Don’t drop them on the ground so they can continue to be a problem.

TRANSITION BAGS

Transition bags will be provided at packet pickup/registration for use at T1. Write your race number BIG on both sides of the bag.

After your swim leg, put your wetsuit and swim gear in your bag and close it up. We will deliver it to T2. If your gear is not placed in your bag and your bag is not tightly closed, we are not responsible for getting your gear back to you.

You or a representative, must present your race number to pickup your transition bag at T2.

SUGGESTED SET-UP

Drive to T1 and set-up your swim/bike transition. Your bike will be secure at T1. Swim cap, timing chip distribution and body marking are at T1.

Take the shuttle back to the start. The first shuttle leaves Snowbasin at 6:30am. The last shuttle for XTERRA USA Championship and XTERRA Utah athletes leaves Snowbasin at 8:20am. You may also have someone drive you, as there is parking at the marina.

ROAD CLOSURES AT PINEVIEW SPILLWAY

There will be intermittent road closures at Pineview Spillway 9:25-11am.

We recommend Pineview – Snowbasin traffic during there hours turn right from the marina and take the alternate route through Huntsville (166 and 158) – Continue on 158 to Eden, follow 166 past Huntsville. Turn left on 167 and right on 226.

BIKE SHOPS / BIKE RENTALS

The following shops are available for bike rentals, bike shipping and all your wrenching needs.

SKYLINE CYCLE – OFFICAL BIKE TECH

Located in the historic Miller Ski & Bike Häus at 834 Washington Boulevard, Ogden, Utah. Full service bike shop.www.skylinecyclery.comNOTE: No Bike Rentals

TRAIN WITH WHAT’S ON COURSE

Lemon-lime Gatorade Endurance Formula will be available on course at all aid stations. Endurance Formula has nearly two times the sodium and three times the potassium of traditional Gatorade. Newly reformulated, it now contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners and a new, lighter flavor.

4.1 Permissible Strokes. Swimmers may use any stroke to propel themselves through the water and may tread water or float.

4.2 Bottom Contact and Resting. A participant may stand on the bottom or rest by holding an inanimate object such as a buoy, boat, rope or floating object. Excluding the bottom, a participant shall not use any inanimate object to gain forward progress. A violation of this section shall result in a variable time penalty, unless the Head Referee in his/her sole discretion determines that (i) the violation was substantial and resulted in an unfair time advantage, or (ii) the violation constituted endangerment under Section 3.4(1).

4.3 Emergencies. A swimmer experiencing difficulty and in need of assistance shall raise an arm overhead, and pump it up and down, and call or seek assistance. A swimmer, who has received official assistance, whether voluntary or involuntary, must retire and withdraw from the remainder of the race unless such assistance did not aid the swimmer in making forward progress. No swimmer shall return to the race if the official rendering assistance requests that the participant withdraw from the race or receive medical assistance.

4.4 Wet suits. Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT Athletes Advisory Council. The AAC has set the wetsuit maximum temperature for elite athletes at 68 degrees for swim distances less than 3000 meters and 71.6 degrees for distances of 3000 meters or greater. Any swimmer wearing a wetsuit with a thickness measured in any part greater than 5 millimeters shall be disqualified.

4.5 Notice of Wet Suit Policy. The wet suit policy for any particular race shall be included on all race literature that is intended for distribution to potential participants. The wet suit policy shall conform to Section 4.4, unless a change is granted in compliance with Section 1.4. The wet suit policy on such literature shall include the following information, if applicable; a. Any changes from Section 4.4; b. Any specific restrictions on equipment; c. Any disparity between the wet suit policy for age group athletes and the policy for elite athletes.

4.6 Measuring Water Temperature. It is recommended, but not required that the water temperature for a race be finally determined by a measurement made within 2 hours of the race start. A water temperature measurement should also be taken prior to any pre-race meetings in order to forecast to the athletes as early as possible the likely water temperature on race day and the likelihood of whether wet suits will be allowed on race day.

4.7 Official Equipment. If provided by race management, a swimmer shall wear the proper official swim cap corresponding to his wave. The penalty for an infraction of this rule is a variable time penalty. For safety reasons if no official cap is provided, all swimmers should wear their own brightly colored swim cap.

4.8 Goggles. Swimmers may wear, but shall not be required to wear, swim goggles or face masks.

4.9 Illegal Equipment. Any swimmer wearing any artificial propulsion device, including but not limited to fins, gloves, paddles, or floating devices of any kind shall be disqualified.

Note: Water temperatures can fluctuate day to day. Water temperature will be taken on race morning and a determination as to wetsuit use will be made at that time. BRING YOUR WETSUIT!!

The XTERRA Pan American Championship race in Utah will offer $20,000 USD for the race and distribute an additional $60,000 USD in prize money to the top 10 men and women in the final XTERRA Pan American Pro Series rankings.

Age groupers battle for 51 slots to the World Championship

MUSCLE MILK UNDER 25 AWARDS

Muscle Milk honors the future of XTERRA with a special prize for the top three men and women under 25.
Each will receive a logo-ed XTERRA Muscle Milk back pack packed with swag that every athlete can use.

The official host valley property for the XTERRA USA Championship is Lakeside Resort Properties in Huntsville. They are located on the shores of Pineview Reservoir and are the closest lodging to the venue, Snowbasin. Amenities include private hot tubs, wi-fi, fully equipped kitchens, washer/dryer and a one car garage that can be used to store bikes and other sporting gear.

A press pass is required on race day for admittance to finish area. Passes can be obtained by contacting Trey Garmanat 808-216-8606 (cell). Race report and results will be posted shortly after the race has concluded. Professional, high-resolution, full-color images from the race will be available to the media after the race. Contact Trey Garman with photo requests.